By Representative Durant of Spencer, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2783) of Peter J. Durant relative to certain payments in property sales by nonprofit organizations. Revenue.
By Representative Xiarhos of Barnstable, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2423) of Steven George Xiarhos and others relative to providing advanced life support to police dogs injured in the line of duty. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
By Representative Jones of North Reading, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2850) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr., and others relative to the estate tax. Revenue.
By Representative Jones of North Reading, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2851) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr., and others for legislation to establish a fund to be known as the fair share transparency and accountability fund to be used for education and transportation purposes. Revenue.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and its entities from requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination as a condition for entry into the state, public buildings, schools, colleges, and private businesses. It also prevents private businesses from mandating vaccination for employment and bars public accommodations, such as resorts and amusement venues, from requiring vaccination for entry. By amending existing state laws, the legislation ensures that no government agency, educational institution, or private entity can enforce vaccination rules for access to these locations.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires public colleges and universities in Massachusetts to provide specific financial and career data to students applying for or changing their majors. The law mandates that institutions disclose the total estimated cost of the degree, the average debt graduates from that major owe within three years, the types of jobs recent graduates hold within a year of finishing, and the average salary those graduates earn within three years. By making this information available, the legislation aims to help students make more informed decisions about their academic paths and potential future earnings. The requirement applies specifically to public higher education institutions within the state.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a pilot program to offer tuition and fee waivers for Massachusetts residents aged 60 and older attending public colleges and universities. Eligible seniors can enroll in undergraduate courses, summer sessions, or evening classes between July 2023 and June 2024, provided space is available, with a limit of four courses per year. The legislation requires state universities and community colleges to report the lost revenue from these waivers to state officials, who will then transfer funds from the General Fund to cover the cost. The total amount reimbursed during this pilot period will determine the base funding level for making these waivers permanent starting in Fiscal Year 2025.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts laws to regulate rent escrow accounts used when tenants withhold rent due to unsafe living conditions. It requires banks to create two-party escrow accounts upon a tenant's request without needing to verify the landlord's identity beforehand. To qualify for withholding rent, tenants must now obtain a formal violation certification from a local health or building agency and provide written notice to the landlord before taking action. Additionally, the bill specifies that rent must be deposited into a court clerk's account, an attorney-controlled escrow, or the new two-party bank account to be eligible for relief. These changes aim to standardize the process for tenants seeking to withhold rent while ensuring funds are held securely until disputes are resolved.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires specific health insurance plans in Massachusetts to cover hearing aids for children. It mandates that group insurance for state employees and most private health plans pay for one hearing aid per ear every 36 months for children aged 26 or younger under state plans, and children aged 21 or younger under private plans. Coverage is limited to $2,000 per device and applies regardless of the cause of hearing loss, provided a doctor confirms the need. The law defines the covered devices according to existing state regulations.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to increase the sales tax rate on cider from six percent to eight and a half percent. The change directly affects consumers purchasing cider in Massachusetts by raising the cost of the product. By amending Section 1 of Chapter 138 of the General Laws, the legislation updates the statutory tax percentage to align with the proposed rate.
